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Introduction to Hypothesis Testing -- The Z-Test

Introduction to Hypothesis Testing -- The Z-Test

This exercise will help the user understand the logic and procedures of hypothesis testing. To make best use of this exercise, the user should know how to use a z table to find probabilities on a normal distribution, and how to calculate the standard error of a mean. Relevant review materials are available from the links provided. The user will need a copy of the hypothesis testing exercise (link is provided), a table for the standardized normal distribution (z), and a calculator. The user will be asked several questions and will be given feedback regarding their answers. Detailed solutions are provided, but users should try to answer the questions on their own before consulting the detailed solutions. The end of the tutorial contains some "thought" questions.

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Peggy Hohensee
Peggy Hohensee (Administrator)
12 years ago

I really like how this exercise is designed.  Students can practice, and at each step they are provided with really good feedback concerning their choice.

Technical Remarks:

This presentation has great information, but is lacking in visual appeal.

Time spent reviewing site: 10 minutes
Ellen Gundlach
Ellen Gundlach (Faculty)
13 years ago
Nice job of explaining the logical steps and thought processes needed to perform a Z hypothesis test for the population mean. U could see using this activity in a computer lab for a week/chapter when there really isn't any SPSS work. You could also make a homework assignment out of the printable handouts that are provided. I think this could be a much more effective teaching tool if more graphics were used (shading of Normal curve when explaining P-values and conclusions, possibly some pictures to go with the story). Even more spaces between sentences in the explanations would make it easier for the students to read the important material. The author does emphasize the difference between sample and population means, which is important. The null hypothesis question after the applet is very basic. It would have been good to through some inequalities in there to make sure the student knew that the null hypothesis always gets the equal sign.

Technical Remarks:

When I clicked on the link to the applet in Firefox, I was sent to a search page, not to the applet. The applet was the first link listed on the search page. For the second example, the applet link came right up.
Time spent reviewing site: 20 minutes